So you made the decision. You’re going to kick debt out of your life forever.
Yahooo!
This calls for some serious celebrating!!
But before you start dancing circles around Sallie Mae, make sure you’ve completed Baby Step 1by getting $1,000 in the bank.
If you haven’t done this yet, back up.
You’ll need this money if any unwelcome emergencies try to crash your party. So buckle down, get focused, and pile up that $1,000
Next, here’s a list of some things to expect on your debt-free journey.
- You’ll have some doubts.
When you face a mountain of debt, doubts are totally normal. Don’t beat yourself up for having them. Instead, redirect that energy into confidence. You’re doing the right thing for you and your family, even if no one else understands it. You’ve got this!
- You’ll start selling stuff—and lots of it.
If you haven’t used it in the past year, you probably don’t need it. That’s why Craigslist will suddenly be full of all your old camping gear, Christmas decorations, and cell phones. When you’re laser-focused on debt-free living, you’ll start parting with all that stuff you don’t need. You might even sell the car if you have to! You’re just that hardcore.
- You’ll become a bargain shopper.
Oh, you don’t coupon? Well, that’s about to change. It’s time to get real familiar with some awesome coupon apps out there. Hey, if you can get something on sale or for a discount, why would you mess around with paying full price . . . ever? That’s more money in your pocket and less debt in your life.
- You’ll make a monthly budget.
This may be your first time budgeting, or you might just be buckling down. Either way, you’re going to have a handle on your income and it’s going to feel really good! Check out the free budgeting app, EveryDollar. It makes it super easy to stay on top of things while on your debt-free journey. When you’re giving every dollar a job to do, you’ll know exactly where each dollar is going.
- You’ll start carrying cash.
Using cash to pay for things will totally alter the way you spend money. When the cash is gone, it’s gone. Pretty simple, isn’t it? No overdraft fees. No sky-high interest to pay. Cash is king, baby!
- You’ll get your family on board.
Believe it or not, this is the perfect time to start talking to your spouse and kids about becoming financially fit. Getting out of debt takes teamwork. When your kids buy into your debt-free journey, they’ll stop complaining—and start saving. You’ll be amazed. Have a budget meeting with your spouse and invite the kids. Show them how important they are in making your family goals a reality!
- You’ll work hard.
Sometimes it takes a second job or some overtime or freelance work to earn what you need to knock out your debt. Get creative and start finding fresh ways to bring in some extra cash. Whether you’re delivering pizzas, driving for Uber, or house-sitting over the holidays—it all adds up. Your hard work will pay off!
- You’ll start thinking visually.
A goal tracker and a rewards system are small ways to turn something as boring as electronic payments into easy-to-see wins. Even a celebratory pizza party with the kids can be enough to keep you all going on your debt-free journey.
- You’ll learn how to say no.
NO. It’s a complete sentence. And it’s okay to use it regularly when you’re getting out of debt. There are things you need. And then there are things you want. You’re going to become one of the rare people who know the difference. While you’re paying off debt, your budget is all about needs. You’ll get to what you want after you’ve said farewell to debt once and for all.
- You’ll eat leftovers and brew coffee at home.
Hello, microwave! Goodbye, $12 lunches every day. Leftovers are going to be your new best friend. Make meals that will give you leftovers to pack for lunch the next day. Slow cooker and casserole recipes are great for stretching your food budget. And when it comes to coffee, you can save a nice chunk of change if you brew your daily dark roast at home instead of buying it on the way to work. Those small savings add up over time! See ya later, barista.
- You’ll learn who your true friends are.
True friends don’t care what brand of jeans you wear or what model car you drive. They don’t care if you can’t go out for dinner. True friends will support your efforts to improve your life by becoming debt-free. And they won’t expect you to keep up with their lifestyles, even if they aren’t quite ready to get out of debt themselves.
- You’ll learn to practice contentment.
When you start living on less than you make and paying off debt, you’ll be amazed at how content and grateful you can become. Filling our lives with useless stuff has a way of leaving us feeling empty instead of fulfilled. Isn’t it ironic? Instead of constantly consuming more, you’ll be pleasantly content with less.
- You’ll pray.
Work like it all depends on you, but pray like it all depends on God. Give it your absolute all every day, but realize God owns it all. He’s in control. So trust Him as you go along your debt-free journey.
- You’ll get creative.
You know what they say—necessity is the mother of invention! With all your extra cash going toward debt, you’ve discovered how to stretch a meal with rice, wrap a gift in tie-dyed newspaper, and bungee cord your car mirror back on. No shame. Wear it all with pride.
- You’ll find a community.
You might feel like you’re alone on this debt-free journey or that you’re the only weirdo out there who’s fed up with debt, but you’re most definitely not. Get connected with others who are fighting and clawing their way out of debt just like you! Believe me, they’re out there! A Facebook group like The Ramsey Baby Steps Community are great places to find people who are going through this debt-free journey too.
Making the decision to eliminate debt from your life is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself, your family, and your future. When it gets difficult and you start to doubt yourself, stay the course and find encouragement by reading and listening to others who have been where you are and have made debt-free living a reality. Your debt-free scream is closer than you think!
You’ve got what it takes to kick debt out of your life once and for all!
Sharing is Caring. If you found value, please feel free to share.
Until next time…..
Agree or disagree? I love your comments! So please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
I look forward to hearing from you!!!
Althea
Helping God’s people realize and achieve their true financial potential, become debt-free, build wealth and give generously!!
PS. Financially, most of us know what to do; we just have trouble doing it. That’s where a coach can help. CONTACT ME for a FREE 15-minute consult.
